Suspect accused of shooting cop has extensive criminal background

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BATON ROUGE - Forty-one-year-old Michael Anthony Joseph has been in and out of prison since he was 19 years old.

Baton Rouge Police say he shot a cop after a brief struggle on Sycamore Street Wednesday night. Joseph was stopped while riding a bike, and investigators say the officer was investigating him for improper bike equipment.

The 29-year-old officer was shot in the chest. His bulletproof vest and a wireless microphone officers use to gather evidence took to force of the bullet, and the officer was OK. He returned fire but missed.

With the help of Louisiana State Police, a massive perimeter was set up around Evangeline and Plank Road. Joseph was able to escape until Violent Crimes Unit detectives and uniform patrol officers raided his home and made an arrest.

"Tips from the community really helped us in this case. We're very appreciative of them. They're a big part of what we do," Baton Rouge Police Spokesman Tommy Stubbs said.

Joseph was arrested and charged in August of 1989 for forcible rape. He was sentenced to four year. In 1993, he was arrested for attempted first degree murder, aggravated burglary, unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling, aggravated battery and illegal use of a weapon. He was sentenced to 16 years for the unauthorized entry and the aggravated battery charges.

The officer involved has been on the force for four years and is on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation which is common when cops are involved in shootings.

Joseph was charged with attempted first degree murder of a police officer, illegal use of a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm with the serial numbers filed off.